An air quality alert has been issued by the New York State Department of Health this weekend due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. 

The air quality health advisory covers New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area, including Long Island, as well as the Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks.

The advisory went into effect at noon Saturday and was extended until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.  

In addition to the smoke and haze, more severe storms could hit the Tri-State Area today after Saturday was another hot day in the region. Record-breaking heat on Friday also helped fuel thunderstorms that did significant damage on Staten Island and in New Jersey. 

New York's air quality forecast "unhealthy" for some

The state Department of Environmental Conservation said Saturday the air quality forecast is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."  

According to the National Weather Service, the air quality index (AQI) is predicted to be greater than 100, and could even reach up to 120 on Sunday in New York City, which indicates a greater health concern due to fine particles in the air.

Put plainly, the AQI helps measure the severity of air pollution and categorizes the health risks. The higher the number, the greater the risk. "Good" air quality would measure at 0-50.

New York health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activities to reduce the risk of adverse health effects when there are elevated levels of pollution, according to the NWS.

"People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician," the NWS alert says.